Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Since I grew up in the wooded, mountains of West Virginia, and my husband on wide and expansive farmland, there was one thing that we both had in mind as a "must have" when we purchased our home... green. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the city with beautiful buildings, quaint cafes, and the abundance of cultural opportunities as our backdoor view, we opted for large, old oak trees, an old Bauernhof (farmhouse estate), hedges of rhododendrons, and paths behind our house that lead us through fields filled with horses.

Our whole first floor is nothing but windows looking out into the backyard and garden, which is what first drew us to our home. I love to linger at the breakfast table, sipping my tea, and watch the birds looking for a snack at our feeders. This fall we even had a family of pheasants visit us quite frequently and each time they came I was so awestruck at what handsome birds they are.

As a Christmas surprise, my husband purchased a beautiful bird feeder with a "living" roof, which sits just outside of my studio. While working, it is delightful to see all the birds flitting in and out who seem not quite certain about the new addition.

I love the transitioning of flowers from spring, to summer, to fall... each season offering something unique.Just outside the kitchen window are beautiful climbing roses from soft pink to deep red that bloom throughout the season. We have since added many flowers to the already existing garden and it is great to discover a new bloom that has just burst forth or tiny visitors in the garden.

We yearn for summers to come because our living area extends to our outside space with a covered terrace, which allows meals to be enjoyed outside even in the rain. In true American style, we barbecue, even in winter, and there is nothing like dinner hot off the grill.

Such a view out my back window is like the fulfilment of a dream, and I can let out that deep sigh that has somehow been stored up deep inside me... that sigh when you are really home... that sigh that is released when you are surround by such a deep peace, and all you hear is nature singing its song... that sigh when you've stopped long enough to notice and enjoy it.

... thanks to all my "backyard participants", who held still long enough for me to snap just a small part of their beauty. For more "Out Your Back Window views... visit Jane at Spain Daily.

Allison, what a lovely post...one can feel that you are happy in your new home away from home! And who wouldn´t, with all that beautiful nature and happy birds. ;)Let´s hope the weather gets better and you can have your BBQ (and I can have my coffee at my beachbar).Have a great day, Jeannette

What a little paradise you've created for yourselves there! I tried many times to plant climbing roses, and never succeeded. However, the red rose bushes the tenants before us planted about 20 years ago are still alive!